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Science News Archive February 2017


Page 4 of 37

Coming soon: Oil spill-mapping swarms of flying drones

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed software that allows a swarm of low-cost drones to quickly map an offshore oil spill. The system uses principles from nature, such as flock dynamics, to optimize communication and data sharing among the drones, enabling them to determine the size of the spill in just nine minutes.

Angiography: Miniature particle accelerator saves on contrast agents

A team at the Technical University of Munich has demonstrated that using monoenergetic X-rays from a miniature particle accelerator can significantly reduce the required quantity of contrast agents in coronary angiography. This approach enables sharper images with fewer health risks, especially for patients with kidney insufficiency.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New mech­an­ism un­der­ly­ing epi­lepsy found

Researchers discovered that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accelerates brain activity after a prolonged convulsive seizure, leading to harmful neural connections. Blocking GABA's effect with bumetanide may help prevent seizures and limit the severity of epilepsy.

Transforming the carbon economy

The task force proposes strategies to recycle carbon dioxide and remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, complementing carbon-free approaches like electrification. These approaches aim to produce an overall emissions reduction of at least one billion tons of carbon dioxide per year.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Recovering predators and prey

A new study by University of California - Santa Barbara researchers found that synchronously restoring predator and prey species speeds recovery efforts of both. This approach is nearly always more efficient and on average about twice as fast as sequential recovery.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Light beam replaces blood test during heart surgery

Researchers have developed a new technology using light to continuously monitor a surgical patient's blood, providing real-time status during life-and-death operations. This technology has the potential to replace the need for doctors to wait while blood is drawn and tested, potentially saving lives in intensive care settings.

Statins do not benefit patients with lung cancer, new study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that cholesterol-lowering statins have no benefits for patients with small cell lung cancer. The largest randomized trial of its kind showed no improvement in treatment outcomes, contradicting previous claims about statin's potential role in preventing cancer development.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

What's really in the water

A new study aims to improve detection of viral pathogens in water resources by developing more accurate DNA sequencing methods. The research has the potential to enhance public health and safety, particularly in areas where conventional methods are limited due to viral diversity.

First evidence of rocky planet formation in Tatooine system

A UCL-led team found evidence of planetary debris surrounding a double sun system called SDSS 1557, which suggests the presence of terrestrial planets like Tatooine. The discovery is remarkable because it shows a high metal content, including silicon and magnesium, indicating rocky planet assembly via large asteroids that formed.

A rose to store energy

Scientists have successfully created plant-based wires and supercapacitors that can store energy, opening up new possibilities for renewable energy sources. The innovative technology enables plants to absorb conducting polymer solutions, forming functional transistors and storing electrical charge.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Materials that emit rainbows

Researchers at Osaka University create tri-color changing materials that exhibit efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence and enable the production of high-performance OLEDs devices. The materials display a range of colors in response to temperature and pressure, showing promise for applications such as pressure- and temperat...

Collaborative diabetes clinic lowers health care costs

Researchers at the University of California San Diego found a collaborative diabetes clinic to be cost-effective, improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs. The clinic's personalized medication therapy management and education led to better glycemic control and reduced medical costs for patients over three years.

New cancer drug targets cellular garbage disposal

A new compound developed by the Deshaies group inhibits Rpn11 activity, causing massive accumulation of dysfunctional proteins in cancer cells. This leads to catastrophic stress and cell death, making it a promising alternative to existing cancer drugs.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Time for physicians to prepare for impending appropriate use mandate

Under the PAMA provision, physicians will need to consult CMS-approved computer-based clinical decision support mechanisms when ordering advanced imaging procedures. The CMS will collect data for two years before implementing prior authorization for 'outlier' physicians, which may limit access to these procedures.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

How to reduce the environmental impact of a loaf of bread?

A University of Sheffield study found that fertilizers used in wheat cultivation contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, dwarfing other production processes. The research highlights the need for sustainable solutions to reduce environmental impacts and promote food security.

Slower snowmelt in a warming world

A new study by NCAR scientists finds that as the world warms, mountain snowpack will not only melt earlier but also more slowly. This shift could lead to reduced streamflow, affecting urban water supplies and riparian ecosystems.

Good news for kids with epilepsy

A preliminary meta-analysis of studies on adults and children with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures found positive results in both groups, suggesting a similar effectiveness of medicines.

Gauging ACA's effect on primary care access

A new research letter analyzed changes in appointment availability and wait times for Medicaid and private insurance callers in 10 states. Medicaid callers saw significant increases in appointment availability and short waits, while private insurance callers experienced decreases in short waits and increases in long waits.

Science builds bridges, not walls, diplomacy experts tell UA audience

Speakers at a University of Arizona summit on science diplomacy and policy emphasized the importance of scientific evidence in setting sound policies. Experts like Nobel laureate Peter Agre and former ambassadors shared stories of their research programs and collaborations with countries with strained diplomatic relations.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New technology offers fast peptide synthesis

Researchers at MIT have developed a machine that can rapidly produce large quantities of customized peptides in about 37 seconds. This technology could help researchers generate new peptide drugs to test on various diseases and also produces customized cancer vaccines for individual patients.

Let it glow

Researchers at OIST have developed a new strategy for producing photoluminescent compounds by combining the flexibility of weak aggregation-driven complexes with the controllability of conventional metal-ligand systems. This results in molecules that can be tuned to emit light of specific colors based on their structure.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Blind matchmaking for more efficient wireless networks

A new algorithm allows users from different network providers to pair up and make better use of the available wireless spectrum, reducing inefficiency in wireless technology. The 'blind' matching algorithm uses a simple learning process and converges to a stable-matching state, enabling mutually beneficial partnerships.

Archeologists at the vanguard of environmental research

Historical ecologists identify key questions about past human-environmental relationships to inform modern sustainability efforts. The research aims to bridge the gap between natural and social sciences, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Controversial test could be leading to unnecessary open heart operations

A recent study by the University of Leicester found that a widely used exercise test for aortic stenosis has a 60% accuracy rate, leading to thousands of unnecessary open heart operations. The test recommends valve replacement therapy for those who become breathless during the test, but actual symptoms may not develop within a year.

Reverse genetics for rotavirus

Researchers at Osaka University developed a plasmid-based reverse genetics system to study rotavirus invasion and replication. The system allowed them to mutate a key protein, NSP1, and decrease viral replication.

Study shows ancient humans arrived in South America in multiple waves

New study suggests that ancient humans entered South America in at least two waves of population dispersals from Asia. The findings, published in Science Advances, rely on a pioneering method to analyze cranial morphology and contemporary genomic data, providing new insights into the complex narrative of human migration.

New nano approach could cut dose of leading HIV treatment in half

A University of Liverpool-led trial has successfully used nanotechnology to improve drug therapies for HIV patients, achieving a 50% dose reduction while maintaining therapeutic exposure. The trial's results have the potential to revolutionize HIV treatment, making it safer, more affordable and accessible to resource-limited countries.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Elevated stress levels among Norway's youngest in childcare

A study by Norwegian researchers has found that young children in childcare exhibit increased stress hormone cortisol levels on childcare days, compared to days at home. The study also revealed a correlation between the length of childcare days and cortisol levels, with longer days linked to higher cortisol levels.

New algorithm identifies gene transfers between different bacterial species

A new computational method has been developed to model gene transfers between different bacterial species, revealing that gene transfer occurs both within and between species. The study identified several genes, including those causing antibiotic resistance, and found a significant number of gene transfers across the entire genome.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

The making of music

Researchers propose that infant-directed song, lullabies and play songs for babies and toddlers, may have deep evolutionary roots as a way for parents to signal their children's needs while freeing up time for other tasks. The theory suggests that this type of music developed as an 'arms race' between parents and infants over attention.